Yesterday was the first time that I managed to get a photograph of a male Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), a small, very striking dabbling duck. I was quite fortunate that the lighting and location was quite favorable, since these small ducks usually hang out at the far reached of the pond.
Although the Cornell Lab of Ornithology states that the Blue-winged Teal is the second most abundant duck in North America, after the Mallard, I am not sure that I have seen one before, and certainly not closely enough to photograph one. The range maps suggest that I am in the migration region for these birds, so I doubt that these birds will hang around for too long.
I really like the look of the speckled body, blue bill, and bold white stripe across the face of this Blue-winged Teal. He was traveling with a small group of Blue-winged Teals and they were even more beautiful when they took to the air and displayed a beautiful patch of blue on their wings.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
What a beautiful species. I have started to go research each of your sightings to expand my knowledge. We are unfortunately not in a migration pattern for this duck, but I travel a great deal so I am now on the lookout.
Those are winners– the photos. And beautiful ducks too!
I’ve never seen this one. It’s beautiful!